New Research shows how to make Human Stem Cell Lines divide equally

For the
first time, scientists have generated haploid embryonic stem (ES) cell lines in
humans, as published in Nature. This could lead to novel cell
therapies for genetic diseases – even color blindness (Benvenisty et
al., 2016)

The genetic match between the stem cells and the egg
donor may prove advantageous for cell-based therapies of genetic diseases such
as diabetes, Tay-Sachsdisease and even color blindness (Elling et al., 2011).

—

Mammalian cells are considered diploid due to the fact
that two sets of chromosomes are inherited: 23 from the father and 23 from the
mother (a total of 46) (Wutz,
2014; Yang
H. et al., 2013). Haploid cells contain a single set of 23 chromosomes and arise only
as post-meiotic germ cells (egg and sperm) to ensure the right number of
chromosomes end up in the zygote (embryo) (Li et al., 2014; Elling et al., 2011).

The DNA was labeled with a florescent dye prior to
isolating the haploid stem cells and scattering (the haploid cells or the
cells) among the larger pool of diploid cells. The DNA staining demonstrated
that the haploid cells retained their single set of chromosomes, while
differentiating to other cell types including nerve, heart, and pancreatic
cells demonstrates their ability to give rise to cells of different lineage (pluripotency) (Benvenisty et
al., 2016).

In addition, the group of researchers successfully
demonstrated usage of their newly derived human ES cells as a platform for loss-of-function genetic
screening. Therefore, elucidating the genetic screening potential of
targeting only one of the two copies of a gene.

These findings may facilitate genetic analysis in the
future by allowing an ease of gene
editing in cancer research and regenerative medicine.

This is a significant finding in haploid cells, due to
the fact that detecting the biological effects of a single-copy mutation in a
diploid cell is difficult. The second copy does not contain the mutation and
therefore serves as a ‘backup’ set of genes, making it a challenge for precise
detection.

The newly derived haploid ES cells will provide
researchers with a valuable tool for improving our understanding of human
development and genetic diseases.

This study has provided
scientists with a new type of human stem cell that will play an important role
in human functional genomics and regenerative medicine.

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